Hi, everyone - I have a question. Do those who have had their ostomies for more than 2 years go through stages in terms of your feelings about them? I am starting my 3rd year with a permanent colostomy. The first year I was very ill for about 6 months and had a great deal of trouble learning to change the pouch, though I was always able to empty well. I was using a Convatec pouch. Then, the 2nd year, I started getting lots of leaks and odors. I went to the ostomy nurse and she discovered 2 large hernias. I changed to a 2-piece Hollister pouch and all was fine. I am scheduled to see a surgeon at the medical school about the hernias, though I am hoping I can just live with them without surgery. Anyhow, lately, I have developed a huge resentment about having a colostomy. It's not as bad as it was the first 6 months, but it's bad enough. I am living with it, but my question is, is this normal? Do your feelings about your ostomies change over time and go up and down? Many thanks for any help.

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This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.